Twelve Arrested During Banned Chhatra League March in Sonargaon

Police have arrested 12 alleged activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League after they reportedly attempted to stage a sudden procession in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj.

The incident took place around noon on Monday (27 July) in the Bastal area of Jamapur Union, beside the Asian Highway. Police said the group arrived in the area by bus and allegedly tried to organise a brief procession.

According to police and local sources, the attempt prompted local residents and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to chase the group, causing the procession to disperse. On receiving information about the incident, a police team led by Jasim Uddin, in-charge of the Taltala Investigation Centre, quickly reached the area and detained 12 people. They were subsequently taken to Sonargaon Police Station.

The detained individuals have been identified as Raihan, 30; Shawon Sheikh, 19; Rabbi, 15; Bijoy Pal, 19; Surya Deb, 15; Ishan Saha, 17; Raj Saha, 17; Abir Hasan, 18; Rudra Deb, 17; Shahriar, 25; Imon, 22; and Jobayer Hossain, 19.

According to the information provided by police and local sources, the detainees are from different parts of Narayanganj, Dhaka and Narsingdi, including Rupganj and Siddhirganj. Several of those detained are under the age of 18, and their ages and individual circumstances are expected to be taken into consideration during the legal process.

The incident comes amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding public demonstrations and activities involving the Bangladesh Chhatra League, which has been declared a banned organisation. Police and other law-enforcement agencies have remained alert to attempts to organise public processions or gatherings associated with the organisation.

The reported incident also briefly created tension in the Bastal area, although police intervened after receiving information and took the detained individuals to the police station. No further details about injuries or damage were immediately available.

Sonargaon Police Station said legal proceedings against those detained were under way. Authorities have not yet provided details of the specific charges that may be brought against them or whether a formal case has been filed.

Police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged procession, including the group’s purpose for travelling to the area and their alleged involvement in the incident. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the applicable laws.